Clearwater, Florida-- We knocked, but no answer at the home of 44-year-old special needs teacher Melanie Jo Fox -- arrested by Clearwater Police for allegedly roughing up two special needs students at Skycrest Elementary.

"The teacher did admit to some allegations, and was arrested on two counts of child abuse of a six and and eight-year-old, both with special needs," said Clearwater spokesperson Joelle Castelli.

Patricia McMartin knows Fox. She volunteered at the school and became Fox's assistant.

She showed us the classroom where Fox teaches, and said she can't believe a woman who would pay for students' supplies with money from her own pocket, could do what is alleged.

"O-M-G. No way. She would never do that. She's a sweetheart. She loved the kids. She would never do that to them," said McMartin.

Skycrest Elementary released this statement. It reads in part:

"The district had moved Ms. Fox to a non-student site earlier this week following an investigation which is still under way. Ms. Fox began working for the district as an hourly teacher in 2004 and was hired as a full-time teacher in 2005. She has no prior disciplinary actions on her record."